Machine stuck in startup loop

[RipperT]

Hello,

A firends machine (XPSP2) is stuck in a loop of starting, going to a screen
that says Windows did not start correctly, then offering the options of safe
mode, safe mode w/ networking, last known good, etc. No matter which option
I choose, the machine shuts down and restarts and goes through the same
loop. What should I check? I am able to get into BIOS.

Many thanx,

Ripper

 

[Galen]

Hello,

A firends machine (XPSP2) is stuck in a loop of starting, going to a
screen that says Windows did not start correctly, then offering the
options of safe mode, safe mode w/ networking, last known good, etc.
No matter which option I choose, the machine shuts down and restarts
and goes through the same loop. What should I check? I am able to get
into BIOS.
Many thanx,

Ripper

Repair Installation of XP :
http://kgiii.info/windows/XP/general/xprepair.html

Galen
--

"But there are always some lunatics about. It would be a dull world
without them."

Sherlock Holmes

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Has your friend installed any new hardware recently? It could be a corrupt
driver. However, as you can't get into anything - safe mode - etc you really
have no alternative but to repair the operating system. Unfortunately, you
can only do a repair if you have a windows xp cd. If the pc manufacturer
supplied recovery disks then you will have to use them to install xp afresh.
Obviously any documents/files you haven't backed up you will loose if you
have to do a complete reinstall. You will also possiblt need to reinstall
SP2 and you will certainly need to install any software you installed after
you purchased the pc.
If you have a windows xp cd then the repair option is non destructive
(recovery disk will remove everything on your hard drive) so you shouldn't
loose any files or software. For more details of doing a repair installation
with a windows xp cd visit my website http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org Click
the Win XP Faq button and take a look at question 55